By chatnewstv.com
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has enacted a landmark constitutional amendment that significantly restructures the nation’s judiciary, shifting the authority over constitutional matters away from the Supreme Court to a newly established federal body.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, adopted on Nov. 13, 2025, serves as the centerpiece of a year of intense legislative activity focused on the rule of law and justice, according to a year-end review by the Peace & Justice Network (PJN) Pakistan. Under the new framework, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) is now vested with exclusive jurisdiction over constitutional cases, leaving the Supreme Court to handle primarily civil and criminal matters.
The move has sparked a wave of debate among legal experts and international observers regarding judicial independence.
“The biggest highlight for Peace & Justice Network (PJN) Pakistan in 2025 was the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced far-reaching changes to Pakistan’s judicial framework,” the PJN stated in its legislative review.
While proponents of the bill argue the change will streamline legal proceedings and reduce the backlog of cases in the Supreme Court, international human rights advocates have raised alarms. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk is among several high-ranking officials who have expressed “serious concerns,” warning that the amendment could undermine the autonomy of the judiciary.
Beyond the federal overhaul, provincial assemblies also moved to pass significant human rights and security legislation throughout 2025.
In Punjab, the provincial assembly passed the Punjab Acid Control Bill on April 22, 2025, aimed at regulating the sale of acid to curb violent attacks. Meanwhile, the Sindh Assembly focused on peacebuilding efforts, passing the Sindh Center for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act in late May.
The legislative session also saw the passage of several transparency-focused laws, including the National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Act and the Establishment of a Special Court for Investment Act, aimed at boosting economic stability through legal protections for foreign investors.
“These acts of Parliament and provincial assemblies are aimed at strengthening the rule of law, justice, and human rights to promote peace and sustainable development,” the PJN report noted.
The reorganization of the courts remains the most consequential change, however, as the country transitions to a bifurcated high-court system. Legal challenges regarding the appointment process for the new FCC judges are expected to dominate the parliamentary agenda in early 2026.
